President Trump Nominates Judge Neil Gorsuch to U.S. Supreme Court

On Jan. 31, President Trump nominated Judge Neil Gorsuch to fill the U.S. Supreme Court seat left vacant by Justice Antonin Scalia. Judge Gorsuch currently serves on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit and previously worked as Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice.

“Associated Builders and Contractors congratulates Judge Gorsuch on his nomination and commends President Trump for taking swift action to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court by nominating a judge with a strong record of judicial integrity,” said ABC Vice President of Regulatory, Labor and State Affairs Ben Brubeck. “Filling the vacancy on the Supreme Court was one of ABC’s top priorities for the Trump administration to fulfill and we encourage the Senate to act quickly to restore the court to its full strength so America can benefit from a functional judicial system.”

To be confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Judge Gorsuch must receive a 60-vote supermajority. Because Republicans only hold 52 seats, Senate Democrats may attempt to filibuster his confirmation. If a filibuster occurs, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell can resort to the “nuclear option” to permit Judge Gorsuch’s confirmation with only a simple majority.

The Senate previously confirmed Judge Gorsuch’s appointment to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals on July 20, 2006, by voice vote without opposition.